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Accredited IDVA Training Programme

Become a skilled and confident Independent Domestic Violence Advisor and make a lasting difference for survivors.

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Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to support people experiencing domestic abuse, including those at high risk of harm.

Delivered by IDAS, this Ofqual–regulated programme leads to the OCN Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse Prevention and Early Intervention. Training combines live online sessions with in-person learning in York or Sheffield and is suitable for both new and developing practitioners.

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About the Level 3 IDVA qualification

The programme covers the knowledge and practical skills needed for frontline domestic abuse work, including risk assessment, DASH, safety planning, MARAC processes, safeguarding, multi-agency working, survivor support, professional boundaries, working with complexity and practitioner self-care.

A Recognised Professional Qualification

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Designed for aspiring IDVAs and Domestic Abuse Practitioners (DAPs), this programme is also suitable for professionals working in housing, social care, safeguarding, health, policing, criminal justice and the voluntary sector.

Successful completion leads to the Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse Prevention and Early Intervention

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What learning with us is like

Domestic abuse training is about more than knowledge. It is about developing the confidence, judgement and practical skills needed to support people safely and effectively.

Drawing on more than 50 years of experience, IDAS combines expert teaching with real-world insight. Sessions are interactive and discussion-based, with opportunities to explore case studies, ask questions and learn from the experiences of fellow practitioners.

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Learning that fits around life

We understand that many learners are balancing work, caring responsibilities and busy lives. That’s why our teaching is designed to be engaging, supportive and manageable alongside other commitments.

You don’t need to have studied recently to succeed. We value curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn, and we’ll support you throughout the programme as you build your confidence, knowledge and practical skills.

More than an accredited qualification, this course helps you develop into a practitioner who can support people experiencing domestic abuse safely, effectively and with confidence.

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Develop the skills to make a difference when it matters most

Assess risk confidently using the DASH risk assessment and informed professional judgement.

Create effective safety plans tailored to each survivor’s circumstances, strengths and risks.

Advocate effectively for survivors and work confidently within multi-agency settings, including MARAC.

Safeguard with confidence while understanding professional boundaries and responsibilities.

Recognise coercive control and understand its impact on adults, children and families.

Communicate in a trauma-informed way that builds trust and supports recovery.

Work collaboratively with housing, health, police, social care and partner agencies.

Manage complex, high-risk cases while keeping survivor safety at the heart of your practice.

Sustain yourself in the role through reflective practice and practitioner wellbeing.

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Course dates

Please ensure you are available to attend all guided learning days before booking your place. Attendance at all guided learning sessions is required to successfully complete the course. You will see that independent learning is also scheduled and you will be invited to join a structured lightly guided study day, but this is not compulsary.

September

Tuesday 22nd September – Guided learning (York)

Wednesday 23rd September – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 24th September – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 25th September – Independent learning with optional supervision

October

Tuesday 20th October – Guided learning (York)

Wednesday 21st October – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 22nd October – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 23rd October – Independent learning with optional supervision

November

Tuesday 17th November – Guided learning (York)

Wednesday 18th November – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 19th November – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 20th November – Independent learning with optional supervision

December

Tuesday 8th December – Guided learning (York)

Wednesday 9th December – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 10th December – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 11th December – Independent learning with optional supervision

Enquire about our 2026 course

March

Tuesday 9th March – Guided learning (Sheffield)

Wednesday 10th March – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 11th March – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 12th March – Independent learning with optional supervision

April

Tuesday 27th April – Guided learning (Sheffield)

Wednesday 28th April – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 29th April – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 30th April – Independent learning with optional supervision

May

Tuesday 11th May – Guided learning (Sheffield)

Wednesday 12th May – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 13th May – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 14th May – Independent learning with optional supervision

June

Tuesday 8th June – Guided learning (Sheffield)

Wednesday 9th June – Guided learning (Online)

Thursday 10th June – Guided learning (Online)

Friday 11th June – Independent learning with optional supervision

Enquire about our 2027 course

Frequently asked questions

No. This programme is suitable for both new and developing practitioners. You do not need previous experience as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). Many learners are moving into domestic abuse services for the first time, while others already work in housing, health, social care, safeguarding, policing or the voluntary sector and want to develop specialist knowledge and gain an accredited qualification.

Successful learners achieve the OCN London Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse Prevention and Early Intervention. This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification recognised across the domestic abuse sector. 

Yes. The qualification is widely recognised across domestic abuse services and is valued by employers recruiting Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), Domestic Abuse Practitioners (DAPs) and other specialist domestic abuse roles.

This programme is suitable for people preparing for IDVA and Domestic Abuse Practitioner roles, as well as professionals working in housing, social care, safeguarding, health, policing, criminal justice and the voluntary sector who regularly support people affected by domestic abuse.

The total course fee is £2,210, with no hidden costs. Your investment covers everything you’ll need to complete the qualification, including 12 days of guided learning (4 days in person and 8 live online), 4 tutor-supported online study days to complete your coursework, registration and certification fees for the OCN London Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse Prevention and Early Intervention, and all course materials, workbooks and learning resources.

There are no additional charges to gain your qualification. Please note that travel, accommodation and any lunch costs for the in-person training days are not included and are the responsibility of the learner.

Yes. Attendance at all guided learning sessions is required to successfully complete the qualification. Please ensure you can attend all scheduled training days before booking your place. Independent learning days are also scheduled, with optional structured study support available.

The programme combines face-to-face training with live online learning. Teaching includes discussion, case studies, practical activities, reflective learning and group exercises based on real situations encountered in domestic abuse services.

Absolutely. Many learners are returning to education after several years. Teaching is supportive, structured and designed to build confidence gradually. You don’t need to consider yourself “academic” to succeed, we value commitment, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

The trainer was fantastic, with demonstration of a great mix of down to earth communication style and subject matter expertise. Listening to contributions and drawing out existing expertise with ease, offering very thoughtful reflections to promote deeper thinking and learning. She is clearly passionate and motivated and brings positive energy and enthusiasm to this challenging topic.
I found the trainer really engaging with a great presenting style and I'm looking forward to the next sessions. I'm keen to undertake further training with IDAS as well.
One of the most personable yet knowledgeable facilitators I've experienced, with an incredibly natural and comfortable presenting style, space for questions and interruptions without loss of flow.
I thought the course as a whole was extremely slick and professionally delivered. I enjoyed it very much.
As an ex-trainer myself, I really appreciated the style of delivery and management of the group. The course covered everything it needed to, at a good pace, in an inclusive way. The groupwork was managed effectively, and everything ran to time. Thank you so much.
I will be better equipped to identify and respond to cases of domestic abuse effectively and sensitively. I will be able to recognise the signs of abuse more readily and provide appropriate support and resources to survivors, empowering them to seek help and take steps towards safety and healing.
The trainer created an incredibly open and safe environment which fostered really useful discussion and real-world examples of practice. It was a really comprehensive overview which felt thorough and not rushed – a rarity with these types of training topics!
The training was so good! Really engaging and easy to follow, the hours flew by. I will definitely recommend to colleagues. Thank you

Our training team

Kerry Griffiths-Mullins

Kerry Griffiths-Mullins

Training manager and Internal Quality Assurer

Kerry leads the IDAS Training and Development Team, overseeing the organisation’s accredited qualifications, multi-agency training and bespoke workforce development programmes for professionals and organisations across the UK.

As Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) for the Level 3 IDVA Programme, Kerry is responsible for maintaining the quality and consistency of teaching, assessment and learner experience, ensuring the programme meets the high standards expected of an OCN-accredited qualification.

Alongside leading the team, Kerry continues to design and deliver engaging training for professionals, drawing on IDAS’ extensive frontline expertise to create learning that is highly practical, evidence-informed and directly relevant to those supporting people subjected to domestic abuse.

Jane Collins

Jane Collins

IDVA Training Programme lead

Jane leads the development and delivery of the IDAS Level 3 IDVA Programme, bringing over 20 years’ experience in teaching and learning that empowers people and creates meaningful change.

She has ensured that this specialist qualification combines accredited learning with the practical knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed for effective IDVA practice. Working closely with colleagues across IDAS, Jane has developed a programme that reflects current best practice, frontline experience and the realities of supporting people subjected to domestic abuse.

Jane is passionate about creating engaging learning environments where practitioners can build confidence, explore complex issues through discussion and reflection, and leave feeling equipped to make a meaningful difference to survivors’ lives.

Johura Zaman

Johura Zaman

Trainer and Assessor

Johura brings valuable frontline experience as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), having supported people subjected to domestic abuse within community-based services. Her practical understanding of risk, safeguarding, advocacy and survivor-centred support brings authenticity and insight to every learning session.

As a trainer and assessor on the Level 3 IDVA Programme, Johura delivers teaching, supports learners throughout their qualification and assesses evidence against the requirements of the OCN qualification. She combines case examples, discussion and reflection to help learners develop the confidence to apply their knowledge safely and effectively in practice.

Johura is particularly passionate about improving understanding of domestic abuse within marginalised and underrepresented communities, increasing awareness of the barriers faced by hidden victims, and supporting professionals to recognise and respond to abuse with confidence, curiosity and compassion.

Nicola Cawood

Nicola Cawood

Training Administrator

Nicola is the first point of contact for many learners and plays a key role in ensuring every training programme runs smoothly from initial enquiry through to course completion.

She manages all aspects of the Training Team’s administration, including learner communications, course scheduling, bookings, joining information and ongoing support throughout the programme. Her organised and approachable nature helps create a positive experience for learners, allowing them to focus on their studies with confidence.

Nicola is passionate about supporting the delivery of high-quality professional training that equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference to people affected by domestic abuse. She takes pride in providing a responsive, friendly and efficient service, ensuring every learner feels informed, supported and valued throughout their journey with IDAS.

Enquire About our IDVA Training Course

Whether you’re interested in joining an upcoming cohort or enquiring on behalf of your organisation, complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

Before contacting us, you may find the answer to your question in our FAQs above, including information about the course fee (£2,210).
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‘Hysterical’

Calling women ‘hysterical’ if they appear distressed, upset or disturbed often discounts their experiences. Other labels used can include, but are not limited to, “unstable” or “over-reacting”, “unable to keep their emotions in check”.  These statements are routed in sexism.

Another thing to note is that the description of being hysterical is provided by the alleged abuser. Often abusers will try to manipulate professionals in a bid to sabotage the victims’ credibility and to minimise or detract from the abuse.

Language is extremely important in documentation as the documentation will provide a narrative of what is happening and will often determine what course of action will be needed next.

Documentation may be called for as evidence in both civil and criminal cases, including family court for protective orders or child contact arrangements.

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‘Male appeared calm and assisted with enquiries’
We cannot assume that because one party displays anger and aggression or is less in control of their emotions that they are a primary perpetrator. It is a myth that perpetrators “lose control” or have anger management issues when they abuse their partners. Domestic violence is the most often, the opposite of losing control; perpetrators know what they are doing and use their abusive tactics of choice to maintain dominance in the relationship.
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Verbal argument only
It is important to remember that many couples argue, but for an argument to escalate to the point that the neighbours fear for a person’s safety that they phone the police on the emergency number, this should warrant further in-depth investigation. Statements such as “verbal argument only” will minimise harm and fear caused by verbal abuse. In turn it will also minimise the victims experience of the incident. The danger of using language that may minimise an abusive incident is that it will send a message to victims that the act was not abusive and if the victim felt it was abusive then they are over-reacting. Over time, this can lead to an escalation of abuse if the warning signs are not spotted, or intervention is not offered at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, the statement ‘Verbal Argument Only’ suggests that only physical violence is worthy of investigation. However, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as:  Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following—
  • (a)physical or sexual abuse;
  • (b)violent or threatening behaviour;
  • (c)controlling or coercive behaviour;
  • (d)economic abuse (see subsection (4));
  • (e)psychological, emotional or other abuse;
The act makes it clear that verbal abuse is part of domestic abuse.
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